In this Greek exegesis paper submitted to Dr. Robert Cara for Greek Exegesis at Reformed Theological Seminary – Charlotte (May 2016), Jon Oliphant explores Paul’s discussion of the conflict between the flesh and the Spirit in Galatians 5:16–18. Oliphant contends that the controversial clause ἵνα µὴ ἃ ἐὰν θέλητε ταῦτα ποιῆτε (“so that you do not do whatever you want”) refers to the Spirit’s restraining power over the believer’s sinful inclinations.
After surveying the letter’s context, Oliphant shows that Galatians opposes Judaizing legalism by emphasizing life in the Spirit over life under the law. Paul’s call to “walk by the Spirit” (5:16) commands ongoing dependence on the Spirit for daily living, contrasted with fulfilling the desires of the flesh. Through grammatical and syntactical analysis, Oliphant evaluates three major interpretations of verse 17 and argues that the ἵνα clause should be read as expressing purpose, not result. The Spirit, not the flesh, is the subject of the clause, and the phrase “whatever you want” points to the sinful impulses that believers still experience but are empowered to resist through the Spirit’s work.
Oliphant concludes that the passage reassures Christians of victory in their ongoing struggle: the Spirit not only opposes the flesh but actively restrains its desires. Thus, Paul’s exhortation affirms both divine enablement and human responsibility — believers are to walk by the Spirit, confident that He prevents them from doing what the flesh desires.
Course and semester: Greek Exegesis — Spring 2016